The fastest way depends on your operating system
Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you change the display language, but the path to the setting is different on each one. On Windows 10 or 11, you go through Settings > Time & Language > Language. On a Mac, it's System Settings > General > Language & Region. Linux varies by distribution, but Ubuntu users find it in Settings > Region & Language. The change takes effect when ready or after a restart, depending on which programs you have open.
You do not need to reinstall your operating system or buy anything new. The language files are already on your computer — you are just switching which one displays. If you want to use multiple languages and switch between them, most systems let you add several and toggle between them without changing your default.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users open Settings, select Time & Language, then Language to add or change the display language.
- Mac users go to System Settings, choose General, then Language & Region to select a new language.
- Most systems let you add multiple languages and switch between them without reinstalling anything.
- Some programs may not support all languages, so your browser or office software might still show in English even after you change the system language.
- Changing the language affects menus, buttons, and system messages, but not files you have created or text you have typed.
Changing language on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click Time & Language on the left side. Select Language from the menu. You will see a list of installed languages with your current one marked as the default.
To add a new language, click "Add a language" and search for the one you want. Windows will read the language pack — this can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, click on the new language in your list, then click "Set as default." Windows will ask you to sign out and back in for the change to take full effect, though some parts of the interface may switch when ready.
If you want to keep multiple languages installed and switch between them without changing your default, you can use the language switcher in your taskbar. After adding a second language, a language icon appears near your clock. Click it to toggle between languages without going back to Settings.
Changing language on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then select Language & Region. The first dropdown shows your current language. Click it to see all available options and select the one you want.
Your Mac will ask you to restart to explore the change fully. Some apps may switch languages when ready, but system menus, Finder, and built-in apps like Mail and Calendar will not change until you restart. After you restart, your entire interface will display in the new language.
If you want to add a second language for specific apps or keyboard input, you can do that separately in the same Language & Region window. Click the "+" button under Preferred Languages to add another without making it your default.
Changing language on Linux
The steps vary depending on which Linux distribution you use. On Ubuntu, the most common desktop version, click the system menu in the top-right corner and select Settings. Open Region & Language. You will see a list of installed languages. Click the one you want to use, and Ubuntu will read any missing language files.
After you select a new language, you may need to restart your computer or log out and back in for the change to take effect across all applications. Some programs, particularly older ones or those designed for English only, may not have translations available and will continue to display in English regardless of your system language setting.
If you use a different Linux distribution like Fedora, Debian, or Linux Mint, the process is similar but the menu names may differ. Look for "Language," "Locale," or "Region & Language" in your system settings. Your distribution's documentation will have the exact path if you cannot find it.
What changes and what does not
When you change your system language, the operating system menus, buttons, dialog boxes, and error messages all switch to the new language. Your file names, documents, emails, and any text you have typed remain exactly as they were — changing the language does not translate your files.
Some programs may not support the language you choose. Microsoft Office, Firefox, and Chrome usually support dozens of languages, but smaller or older applications might only work in English. If a program does not have a translation, it will stay in English even after you change your system language. You can often change individual app languages in their own preferences without changing your system language.
Your keyboard layout may not change automatically when you switch languages. If you want to type in a different language, you usually need to add a keyboard layout separately in your language settings. Windows, Mac, and Linux all let you add multiple keyboard layouts and switch between them with a keyboard shortcut or the taskbar icon.
Adding a keyboard layout for a different language
On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language > Language options (under your chosen language) > Add a keyboard. Select the keyboard layout that matches the language you want to type in. You can then switch between keyboard layouts using the language icon in your taskbar or by pressing Windows key + Space.
On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and click the "+" button to add a new keyboard layout. Select your language and the specific layout you want — for example, French AZERTY or Spanish. Once added, you can switch layouts by clicking the flag icon in the menu bar.
On Linux, the keyboard layout is usually added in the same Region & Language settings where you changed the display language. After you add a layout, a keyboard switcher appears in your taskbar or menu bar. Click it to change which layout is active.
Troubleshooting language changes that do not work
If you changed your language but some parts of your screen are still in English, restart your computer. Many system changes do not take full effect until you restart, and some applications need to be closed and reopened to load the new language files.
If a program still shows in English after you restart, that program may not have a translation for your language. Check the program's own settings — most browsers and office applications let you change their language independently of your system language. Look for Preferences, Settings, or Options in the program's menu.
If you cannot find the language you want in your system settings, you may need to read a language pack. Windows and Mac both offer language packs for less common languages, but they are not always installed by default. Your system will usually prompt you to read one if you try to select a language that is not yet on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my language affect my files or documents?
No. Your files, file names, and any text you have written stay exactly the same. Changing the language only changes the menus, buttons, and system messages that Windows, Mac, or Linux displays. Your personal data is not affected.
Can I use two languages at the same time?
Yes. You can add multiple languages to your system and switch between them using the language icon in your taskbar or menu bar. Your default language stays the same, but you can toggle to another language whenever you want without changing your settings.
What if my language is not in the list?
Less common languages may not be installed by default. Click "Add a language" or the "+" button in your language settings and search for the one you want. Your system will read the language pack if it is available. If it does not appear in the search results, that language may not be supported by your operating system version.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing the language?
It depends on your operating system. Mac usually requires a restart. Windows may let some parts of the interface change when ready, but a restart ensures everything switches. Linux varies by distribution, but a restart is safest. If you are unsure, restart your computer after making the change.
Will my programs like Microsoft Office change language too?
Not automatically. Most programs have their own language settings separate from your system language. Open the program, look for Preferences or Settings, and find the language option there. Some programs, like Office, let you change the language without reinstalling.